Tokyo Excess

Building the Gundam HG GQuuuuuuX 1/144 Gunpla Kit (A More Difficult Kit)

noreply@blogger.com (Tostzilla) — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 23:26:00 +0000

Last year, I picked up the model kits for the Gundam GQuuuuuX and the Aerial. I'm going to call GQuuuuuX Gux from now on as I still can't believe they'd name the anime and the Gundam such a long and silly name. As an author, it is downright hostile for your readers. I built the Aerial first and it wasn't too bad, but I will say the Gux was a challenge on another level.

I started building the Gux last year and finished building the heads before I stopped. Just assembling the head and torso took an afternoon. I stopped after that and took a really long break before picking it up again. The Gux kit has really tiny parts and lots of teeny weeny stickers to apply. This is one of the more challenging kits to assemble with more than one place that has gotchas if you don't interpret the assembly instructions correctly. This kit is also harder to assemble than the Aerial with more parts as the mobile suit is much more complicated from a design perspective. I'm pretty sure no one would have animated this without CG with this design!

Peyoung Super Large Tenkasu MAX Yakisoba Review

noreply@blogger.com (Tostzilla) — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 17:50:00 +0000

I got this Peyoung Super Large Tenkasu MAX Yakisoba last year on sale for the price of regular sized instant yakisoba noodles. They were large portions of noodles to say the least. Peyoung yakisoba are a staple in Japan, showing up on store shelves in their white packaging. They also jazz up their fried noodle offering by combining different flavours and ingredients. In this case, the yakisoba is their standard yakisoba flavour jazzed up by being super-sized and full of tempura bits to give it some light crunch!

In their own words "We have developed a product with a fun texture that uses plenty of crispy tempura. There are three types of tenkasu used: plain, with blue, and red ginger flavor. In addition to the crispy texture, each flavor is an accent, so you can enjoy it without getting bored until the end." Tenkasu are savory, crunchy, deep-fried flour batter bits used as a topping or ingredient in Japanese cuisine.

3/4 view of the package. It has dark brown colours to give it a deep wood tone that accentuates the japanese restaurant background.You can pretend you're in a nice restaurant instead of in front of the TV. If you didn't think it was big the words MAX should clue you in.

Baixiang Spicy Beef Flavour Coriander Stir Fry Noodle Bowl (It's Green!) Review

noreply@blogger.com (Tostzilla) — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 22:07:00 +0000

This is a review of an instant bowl noodle that has GREEN noodles and lots of cilantro and coriander. This is the Baixiang Spicy Beef Flavour Coriander Stir Fry Noodle Bowl and it is not to be mistaken with the bag noodle version of this product which is a soup. This version has you draining the water to make it more like stir fry noodles and I suspect it is tastier than the soup version.

Before I continue, lets talk about coriander. Coriander and cilantro come from the same plant (Coriandrum Sativum), but they refer to different parts! Cilantro refers to the fresh, bright green leaves and stems (like flat parsley), while coriander refers to the plant's dried, round, beige seeds. This fried noodle dish incorporates cilantro into the noodles to make them green and gives you TWO PACKETS of dried cilantro to throw on top and also has coriander spice in it. There is a lot of cilantro in this dish!

I'm not sure if these are an instant version of an existing Chinese dish, but coriander (cilantro) and fried green noodles often refer to aromatic, herb-forward stir-fry or dipping dishes. These dishes combine fresh, grassy notes with spicy oil, garlic, and vinegar. There is something called Cilantro Belt Noodles (Xi'an/Shaanxi Style) which is a specialty from Shaanxi province where cilantro is integrated directly into the broad/flat noodles or served as a prominent side. In these dishes, the dough is often made with a cilantro purée, or the dish is heavily garnished with fresh coriander. The noodles in this bowl are not broad though, being more like green ramen noodles.

The lid of the spicy beef coriander noodle bowl. It is very green, and it isn't just the amount of coriander in the picture! Directions are in the right hand corner area. All other information is on this lid from the ingredients, manufacturing information, nutritional info, etc.

Maruchan Beef Yakiniku Yakisoba Noodle Bowl Review

noreply@blogger.com (Tostzilla) — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 22:29:00 +0000

This nifty yakisoba style beef yakiniku noodle bowl from Maruchan was a great little find at T&T. I actually cannot find it right now on the Toyo Suisan / Maruchan Japan website so I think it is was a limited time item. The bowl shape is just like their soup noodles for their 麺づくり (Make Noodles) line of bowls except the lid is different to allow you to drain the water away.

I wasn't sure what to expect from this, so tasting it was going to be a surprise. Beef yakiniku consists of bite-sized, thinly sliced pieces of beef that are grilled and then dipped in sweet and savory soy-based sauce (tare) or other dipping sauces. If you ever do this in person, expect a savoury beefy aroma to fill the air and then there is the rich smell of the tare mixed in too. BBQ is absolutely delicious, so any ramen bowl that simulates this has a lot to live up to!

Angle view of the bowl.

Modern Military Portal Fantasy Novels and Kumotawa Confluence

noreply@blogger.com (Tostzilla) — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 23:12:00 +0000

Modern military portal fantasy is a subgenre of speculative fiction where contemporary armed forces—soldiers, vehicles, tactics, and technology—are transported through a portal or dimensional rift into a fantastical world filled with magic, mythical creatures, or pre‑industrial societies. The core appeal comes from the clash between modern military power and the unfamiliar environment of a fantasy realm, often exploring themes like technological superiority, cultural misunderstanding, ethical dilemmas, and the limits of force when confronted with magic or radically different civilizations. It blends the gritty realism of modern warfare with the wonder and unpredictability of high fantasy, creating stories that hinge on strategic adaptation, world‑building contrasts, and the consequences of two very different worlds colliding.

This subgenre serves as the ultimate "What If?" for history and military buffs. However, the most successful stories are those that recognize that while a bullet can kill a wizard, it cannot easily kill the social and political structures that the wizard represents. Themes that are often present include:

Tactical Friction: The narrative focuses on the technical "crunch" of combat. It asks how a Kevlar vest fares against a magical arrow, assault rifles versus knights, or how a .50 machinegun handles a target like a dragon.
The Logistical Clock: A central tension is the depleting supply chain. Without a modern industrial base, a soldier is only as effective as their last magazine. This leads to a race against time to manufacture ammo, refine fuel, or create replacement parts in a world with no factories.
Technology "Uplift": Because they are cut off from Earth, the modern force often must jumpstart an Industrial Revolution. They teach local populations how to build steam engines, produce penicillin, and create rifled muskets just to maintain their survival.
Moral & Cultural Shock: These stories often examine the friction of modern Rules of Engagement (ROE) and modern values when applied to feudal, often brutal, fantasy empires.

There are also three popular variations in this subgenre based on the size of the military unit that is sent to another world.

The Squad: A small unit (Rangers, Marines, APC) must survive behind enemy lines. Examples: Forgotten Ruin, Doomfarers of Coromonde
The Nation/Base: An entire island, ship, or nation is transported, requiring the story to deal with the logistical clock and technology uplift issues. Examples: Island in the Sea of Time, Destroyermen
The Stable Gate: A permanent portal allows armies to pass and for logistics, trade, and politics between Earth and the other world. Examples: Gate, Manifest Fantasy.

I enjoy reading portal fantasy and when I wrote my novel "Kumotawa Confluence" it combined tropes from urban / contemporary fantasy with military portal fantasy and "girls with guns" anime. I aimed for a more character driven and "realistic depiction" in the story with some rich world-building that included Japanese myth, magic, and travel between worlds.

I'll talk more about my novel at the end, but first, I want to give a rough chronology of some famous military portal fantasy works. Hopefully it will introduce something new to anyone looking for additional reads in this genre.

Magical Girls and Tactical Military Anime and Manga Development

noreply@blogger.com (Tostzilla) — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 05:37:00 +0000

I never thought all that deeply about the history of "girls with guns," "magical girls," "mecha-musume," and "magical girl tactical" developments. One of the first shows I watched with one these genres was NOIR, a show I really need to rewatch from beginning to end again. It is strange that the history I cover ends with Lycoris Recoil a modern descendant of this show that is influenced by the other titles shown in this article. Why did I research this? Partially out of curiosity and also because I wrote a tactical urban fantasy novel set in modern Japan which also utilize tropes from some of these series. I'll talk more about Kumotawa Confluence at the end, but do have a look at the chronology I've compiled as you might find something you want to read or watch.

The evolution of military and magical girl series began by moving away from original magical girl tropes—characterized by sparkly transformations, whimsical wands, and moral lessons—toward a gritty, tactical realism. Keep in mind that series with the original tropes never really died away, as multiple PreCure series are still being churned out. Early 2000s titles like Noir and Gunslinger Girl, not magical girl shows themselves, stripped away the fantasy entirely in favor of professional assassination, while Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha rebranded magic as a computational military science with staves that functioned like high-tech rifles. This shift replaced the shoujo (young girl) focus on romance and friendship with the mecha-musume aesthetic in series such as Strike Witches and KanColle. The girls were integrated into military bureaucracies, utilized mechanical components, and operated within strict command structures to fight alien threats.

By the 2010s, the genre moved even further from its lighthearted roots into psychological deconstruction, framing the magical girl not as a superhero, but as a traumatized child soldier. Series like Madoka Magica and Magical Girl Spec-Ops Asuka rejected the optimistic save the world narrative of early series like Sailor Moon, focusing instead on PTSD, the physical cost of combat, and the grim reality of magical terrorism. This culminated in modern hits like Lycoris Recoil, which blend high-fidelity Gun-Fu and realistic firearm ballistics with a secret-service setting. Ultimately, the genre transformed magic from a miraculous gift into a standardized weapon system, emphasizing combat, weaponry, and the heavy emotional burden of state-level violence. There still are more tactical, yet light hearted anime like Girls und Panzer, so it isn't all dark, though. Lycoris Recoil isn't particularly dark or magical, except for the protagonist's ability to dodge bullets like Neo does in the Matrix, but it takes us back to the girls with guns roots that I started with.

NOTE: Dates shown are the first publication/release date in Japan.

Nissin Muteppou Tonkotsu Shoyu Ramen Cup Review

noreply@blogger.com (Tostzilla) — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 19:51:00 +0000

Nissin collaborated with Muteppou, to create this tonkotsu shoyu cup noodle. Muteppou is famous for its exceptionally rich and thick tonkotsu (pork bone) ramen that is considered to have a very intense flavour. Its rich, high-concentration broth is made with pork bones and water, simmered for several days, in a multi-stage process until the marrow melts into the soup. The broth has a unique, syrup-like texture due to the high amount of collagen and fat, resulting in a kotteri (thick and rich) flavor. Muteppou is originally a Kyoto-based ramen chain that now has locations in other major Japanese cities.

3/4 view of the Muteppou Ramen Cup. It has a distinctive look.

Significant Japanese High Fantasy Novels With English Translations

noreply@blogger.com (Tostzilla) — Fri, 28 Nov 2025 04:50:00 +0000

I started researching this topic thinking that it would be simple, but it turns out I underestimated the complexity. I wanted high fantasy novels written by Japanese authors that have been translated into English but found more nuanced choices. I didn’t really want to go into isekai or portal fantasy, but it's going to cross over. High fantasy is like Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings and not set on our Earth. Isekai is about being reborn or occupying a body (kind of sucks to be the previous owner of said body) in another fantasy world, and portal fantasy is just being transported or gated to another world. Some works which are very high fantasy-ish are often portal or isekai, too.

By no means is the following list comprehensive, but it contains what I would consider to be some of the more historically significant or interesting titles. There are many fantasy light novels and I have not covered many of them, especially if they are heavy on the isekai theme (and I quite like a few of these, too). Examples that are heavy on the isekai are Overlord, Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash, Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, or Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World, etc. Some of these books are part of a series, especially if they are light novels. I've also excluded light novels that came after an anime/manga such as Fairy Tail. In addition, works like Spice and Wolf are excluded as they are low fantasy. The following list of books is presented chronologically by approximate Japanese publication date.

Nissin AFURI Yuzu Shio Bowl Noodle Review

noreply@blogger.com (Tostzilla) — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 23:40:00 +0000

I picked up this bowl of instant noodles last time I was in Japan. I've never eaten at AFURI in Tokyo, but I've had some citrusy yuzu ramen before. AFURI is best known in Japan for its signature yuzu ramen—a refreshing twist on traditional ramen that balances light chicken-based broth with the bright, citrusy kick of yuzu.

Founded near Mount Afuri in Kanagawa and later expanding to Tokyo’s Ebisu in 2003, AFURI has built a cult following for its shio ramen infused with yuzu, offering a delicate yet complex flavor that stands apart from heavier tonkotsu styles.

3/4 view of the bowl. It is bright yellow in colour to match their logo

Urban Fantasy Novels, Anime, Games Set In Japan

noreply@blogger.com (Tostzilla) — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 15:00:00 +0000

Urban fantasy is everywhere in Japanese pop culture, showing up in books, manga, anime, and games. These stories take modern Japan and weave in the supernatural, blending everyday life with magic in a seamless fashion. Sometimes, it’s just a touch of magical realism or surrealism—genres that thrive in Japan’s hyper-modern, round-the-clock cities. With all the neon lights, towering skyscrapers, and the constant bustle of big city life, it’s easy to imagine a hidden world just beneath the surface. Even the efficiency of high-tech society can feel like magic—how convenience stores always seem stocked with exactly what you need or how trains run with near-perfect precision.

Japan’s culture makes urban fantasy even richer. There’s a constant mix of old and new—temples standing beside glass towers, ancient traditions still alive in a country racing toward the future. Shinto and Buddhist practices remain woven into daily life, and folklore about spirits, yokai, and gods are everywhere, influencing everything from local festivals to modern media. It’s no wonder so many stories explore a version of Japan where these mystical elements linger in the shadows of busy streets.

And urban fantasy here isn’t just recycling the same ideas—it keeps evolving. Writers and artists build on previous works, pulling in myths from other cultures and adding fresh perspectives. These stories are not just about action as some dive into real-world concerns, too, tackling themes like loneliness, the tension between tradition and modern life, and how technology shapes society. There’s something timeless about the idea of hidden worlds coexisting with modernity, where forgotten gods, restless spirits, and ordinary people collide in unexpected ways.

When I visit Tokyo, I'm always a bit wowed by the intense urban landscape and seeing places that I first saw or read about in anime, games, or novels. It's kind of like an adult Disney, with all the things to see, eat, and do. There's always a bit of magic to the place when you come as an anime fan, as it's fun to see the aspects of the imagined world brought to life.

In this article, I'm going to list a number of Japanese urban fantasy creative works to get anyone going on the fantastical, creative side of Japanese pop culture. I'm leaving out vampires (Hellsing, Akiba's Trip, Blood+, etc.), cat girls, gangster maids in Akihabara, time travel (Erased, Stein's Gate, Tokyo Revengers, etc.), and many others, so it is a starter list.

Please check out Kumotawa Confluence, my urban fantasy novel set in Japan, at the end of the article!

Building the 1/144 HG Gundam Aerial Kit from Bandai

noreply@blogger.com (Tostzilla) — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 20:47:00 +0000

It's been a long time since I assembled a Gunpla (Gundam plastic model kit). I keep buying the darn things, but never sit down long enough to crack one open to assemble. It turns out for the HG 1/144 scale model kits, there is variation in how detailed the build can be based on the Gundam. After building the 1/144 HG Gundam Aerial kit I checked the RX-78 kit and the Gundam GQuuuuuuX kits I also have and the GQuuuuuuX kit is even more complex than the Aerial. The RX-78 kit is the simplest and closest to what I remember you have to do. It took me 3 hours a day over 2 days to build the Aerial model with my cat helping me! My next kit will be the GQuuuuuuX (Click this link!).

My cat watching me snip and assemble pieces with the odd helpful paw in the way.

Gundam Gunpla Kits For Aerial, GQuuuuuuX and Amate Yuzuriha Figure Haul

noreply@blogger.com (Tostzilla) — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 19:50:00 +0000

When I was in Tokyo in May of this year, I went to Gundam Base in Odaiba to take a look at all of the model kits and displays. Gundam GQuuuuuuX was on and I wanted to get a kit of the GQux (I'm not writing out all of the u's (it's kind of silly). Of course the entire section for the series was sold out. This happened to me with the Aerieal Gundam, too, a few years previously, when Witch From Mercury was airing. It really didn't matter where you were in Japan when there is a new Gundam series - it is going to be hard to find the kits when they are hot. Finally, this fall, I saw the GQux kit for sale at AmiAmi and picked one up along with a second hand UFO prize catcher figure of Amate Yuzuriha that was on sale. I picked up the gunpla for a little above cost and the figure for half price, so yay!

GQux and Witch are both mecha series that are written with more sensitivity, characters, and plots that would appeal beyond the stereotypical mecha fan action plot with some politics thrown in. This started with Gundam Iron Blooded Orphans and I have to say I'm enjoying these more character driven storylines. While GQux is set in a universe where Zeon won the One Year War, but has been a little controversial due to the parallel universe crossing element and a bit of pulling things out of nowhere. I'm okay with the parallel universe plotline and I do find it cool as there is more emphasis on minor characters, especially on Challia Bull who was killed by Amuro Ray in the original series.

In my final figure purchases this fall, I received another version of Rin from Yuru Camp, and Amate figure, and the GQux 1/144 HG kit from Bandai. I thought it would be fun to show the heroins with their respective Gundam units in the background here.

Nissin Kanzen (Complete Meal) Soupless Cup Noodle Review

noreply@blogger.com (Tostzilla) — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 01:20:00 +0000

The Kanzen line of products started with curry rice years ago and I reviewed it back then. On my last trip to Japan I picked up the Kanzen Yakisoba Cup Noodle at a konbini. I enjoyed he curry rice version a few times so I really wondered what the Cup Noodle version was like!

It turns out the Cup Noodle version comes in the same paper cup as the instant rice versions with different artwork on the outside. It resembles a squat Cup Noodle cup with all the similar logos and writing. It emphasizes the complete meal aspect with the Kanzen blue circle logo. I'm kind of fond of this logo with yellow outline for it as I received a free squishy ball in the same blue + logo the first time I bought this. My cat loves playing with it too. These special meal cups are easy to spot as they have a huge clear plastic cap on top with more description describing how special they are. Under the cap are the powdered sauce base in a big foil pouch and a seasoning oil packet.

Kanzen Cup Noodle package.

Fall 2025 Japanese Figure Haul For Gundam Witch From Mercury and Frieren

noreply@blogger.com (Tostzilla) — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 18:23:00 +0000

I had a small shipment come in from Japan just before Canada Post went on strike again (October 2025). I picked up three figures from two of my favourite anime in the last few years to complete pairings. Frieren is the more recent fantasy anime I bought a Fern figure for and thankfully the series is not isekai. I also find it hard to believe that The Witch From Mercury aired three years ago as I write this and that it has already been two years for Frieren. Time flies sometimes. I think I enjoy collecting figures because of the joy that some of the main characters have brought into my life, so I hope that anyone who watches these shows also enjoys them too.

Seven Lucky Gods Pilgrimage in Meguro - Buddhism and Shinto in Historic Tokyo

noreply@blogger.com (Tostzilla) — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 17:28:00 +0000

Tokyo is a ton of fun to visit. There's high tech wonders, plenty of shopping, and great dining. It is an old city that rapidly grew in the Edo Period as Edo, the capital city of Japan. The city was razed to the ground by earthquakes and great fires, and was even firebombed in WWII. Every time, the city was rebuilt. This doesn't mean there isn't a lot of history here, but much of it is tucked away in quieter corners, not on the tourist trail. For history and a dash of culture, most visitors see the National Museum with its great artifacts, the Tokyo-Edo museum, Shitamachi Museum, Imperial Palace East Gardens, visit old Yanaka, and experience Sensoji Temple and Meiji Shrine. There are many shrines and temples to visit too such as Kanda Myojin or Kameido Tenjin, and if your timing is right, you can catch a festival or different blooms in season.

Seven Gods of Good Fortune by Katsushika Hokusai. CC0 from The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Major Art and Anime Exhibits in Tokyo for October, November, December 2025

noreply@blogger.com (Tostzilla) — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 00:05:00 +0000

The major exhibitions are easy, but the small rotating exhibits are often announced only shortly before they are on. I have compiled a list of exhibits for both anime and art in the city out of interest. Always confirm the exhibit details with the actual museum or venue website, as I could have made a mistake. For myself, there are at least six exhibits or events this fall that really interest me. When I was in Tokyo in May there were a good half a dozen show / exhibits I really wanted to see.

There are some Hokusai and Van Gogh exhibits and many anime / game exhibits for SPY X FAMILY, 30th Anniversary Evangelion Art, Yuru Camp 10th Anniversary Art, City Hunter, and Capcom that are notable in these months. There are literally hundreds of smaller exhibits to look at if you really dig down. I'm only covering selected highlights.

UPDATES:

Yakuza - Like a Dragon Exhibit for November thru December recently.

Eureka Seven 20th Anniversary Exhibition December thru early January.

Akihabara UDX
AKIBA_ICHI and AKIBA_SQUARE exhibition spaces
Events at this venue are often transient and not announced far in advance. It primarily serves as a commercial and event space. Akihabara UDX often hosts IT, anime, and general commercial events.

Anime Tokyo Station (Anime Tokyo)
TV Anime "SPY×FAMILY" Special Exhibition
A special exhibition on the globally acclaimed TV anime SPY×FAMILY. It will feature scene panels, life-size character panels, photo spots, and an AR experience to immerse visitors in the world of the anime
August 16, 2025 – November 9, 2025

Digimon Adventure 02 & Magical DoReMi ANIME 25TH ANNIVERSARY JOINT EXHIBITION
A joint exhibition celebrating the 25th anniversary of both Digimon Adventure 02 and Magical DoReMi November 15, 2025 – February 15, 2026
This commemorates the milestones of two popular anime franchises.

Animate Ikebukuro / Akihabara
https://www.animate.co.jp/en/spacegalleria/ikebukuro/
Animate stores frequently host rotating small-scale promotional pop-up shops and themed merchandise corners, often changing monthly, which are typically announced closer to the dates. Animate is one of the largest chains of anime and manga retail stores in Japan.

Artizon Museum
Jam Session: The Ishibashi Foundation Collection × YAMASHIRO Chikako × SHIGA Lieko In the midst of
October 11, 2025 – January 12, 2026
The museum often features modern and contemporary art, as well as works from the Ishibashi Foundation Collection.

特集コーナー展示安井曾太郎 (Special Feature Exhibition: Yasui Sōtarō)
A feature display focusing on the work of Japanese modern painter Yasui Sōtarō.
October 11, 2025 – January 12, 2026
Yasui Sōtarō (1888-1955) was a prominent figure in modern Japanese oil painting.

Azabudai Hills Gallery
Masatoshi Hamada Exhibition "Flying Clouds Crossing the Sky"
October 19, 2025 - December 21, 2025

Creative Museum Tokyo
The origin of "manga" and "anime" is Hokusai (HOKUSAI－ぜんぶ、北斎のしわざでした。展)
This landmark exhibition celebrates Katsushika Hokusai, Japan’s most iconic artist, whose legendary Great Wave rivals the Mona Lisa in global recognition. Known for his prolific output, eccentric lifestyle, and foundational influence on manga and anime, Hokusai left behind over 30,000 works. With full cooperation from Mitsuru Urakami—owner of the world’s finest Hokusai Manga collection—the show features over 400 pieces, including rare hand-drawn illustrations, all 15 volumes of Hokusai Manga, and masterpieces like Thirty-six Views of Mt. Fuji and 102 Views of Mt. Fuji. Through dynamic exhibition design highlighting visual techniques that shaped modern Japanese pop culture, visitors can immerse themselves in the creative genius of Hokusai, 200 years ahead of his time.
September 13 – November 30, 2025

The Great Capcom Exhibition - Game Creation that Fascinates the World
After touring Osaka, Nagoya, and Tottori, the Capcom exhibition arrives at CREATIVE MUSEUM TOKYO in fall 2025, showcasing the creative evolution of iconic game series like Street Fighter, Resident Evil, and Monster Hunter through original artwork, design materials, immersive experiences, and cutting-edge technology, inviting visitors to rediscover Japan’s influential game culture.
December 20, 2025 – February 2, 2026
https://creative-museum.tokyo/exhibitions/?lang=en

DESIGNART TOKYO 2025
A citywide design and art festival, scheduled for fall 2025, with the theme "Brave – The Pursuit of Instinctive Beauty," encouraging creators to express authentic ideas and intuition in their work, spanning design, art, interiors, fashion, and technology.
https://www.designart.jp/en/
October 31 - November 9, 2025
This happens concurrently, too.
Art Week Tokyo
https://www.artweektokyo.com/en/
More focused on the art world happening from November 5–9, 2025

21_21 Design Sight, Roppongi
WHAT IF ?
An exhibition centered around the conceptual question of "What If?". Details on the specific design themes are not provided but it is an exploration of possibilities in design.
July 4, 2025 – November 3, 2025
21_21 DESIGN SIGHT focuses on exhibitions that explore the potential and influence of design.

DiverCity Tokyo Plaza, Odaiba
Ensemble Stars!! Collaboration Campaign
A commercial collaboration campaign between the shopping center and the popular mobile rhythm game Ensemble Stars!!
October 1, 2025 – December 19, 2025
This is a commercial event typically involving merchandise, photo spots, and in-mall activities tied to the anime/game franchise.

"Detective Conan Land" A themed event related to the popular manga and anime series Detective Conan (Case Closed).
October 11, 2025 – January 12, 2026
This is a commercial, themed attraction based on the long-running series.

Edo-Tokyo Museum
History and Folklore of Musashino: From the Collection of the Former Musashino Folklore Museum
(Permanent Museum is still closed for renovations)
An exhibition showcasing historical and folklore materials from the Musashino region, utilizing the collections of the former Musashino Folklore Museum
(Note: This exhibition is listed for the Edo-Tokyo Open-Air Architectural Museum, which is managed by the same organization).
July 19, 2025 – December 14, 2025
The Edo-Tokyo Museum and its affiliated Open-Air Architectural Museum focus on the history and culture of Tokyo (formerly Edo).

Gallery AaMo, Tokyo Dome
Musical "Touken Ranbu" 10th Anniversary Ranbu Exhibition
October 30 - November 30th, 2025

Series 30th Anniversary Suikoden I & II Exhibition ~Fantasy Museum~
December 6, 2025 - January 12, 2026

Harajuku Laforet Museum
Neighborhood 30th Anniversary Exhibition
An exhibition celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Japanese streetwear brand Neighborhood. September 29, 2025 – October 5, 2025
This is a commercial and cultural exhibition celebrating a major Japanese fashion brand. The museum hosts a variety of temporary fashion, art, and pop culture events.

Hikarie Building Galleries
Check website.
https://www.hikarie8.com/en/
Shibuya Hikarie is a complex that includes an event hall (Hikarie Hall) and various art spaces (e.g., 8/ Court, Cube) which host short-term, rotating events. Schedules are typically announced closer to the event dates. The building is a hub for fashion, culture, and business in Shibuya.

Hokusai Museum
Bijin-ga (Pictures of Beautiful Women)
This exhibition traces the changes in Hokusai's style, including his contribution to the bijinga genre, and features works by his contemporaries like Utamaro.
September 16 – November 24, 2025

Matsuya Ginza 8F Event Square
Tsu-tsu-mu: Design Typology for Care and Inclusion Exhibition
An exhibition exploring the concept of "wrapping" (tsu-tsu-mu) as a design methodology, examining it from multiple perspectives to uncover its role in care and inclusion, from traditional Japanese origata to contemporary products and architecture.
September 26, 2025 – October 13, 2025
Organized by the Japan Design Committee, this exhibition explores a Japanese aesthetic and design concept.

Usamaru Exhibition.
A cute, rabbit character released as a LINE sticker on August 6, 2014. Usamaru quickly became a hit.
November 26, 2025 – December 9, 2025

Miraikan Museum
The museum often hosts special, large-scale science and technology exhibitions. Miraikan is Japan's National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation.

Mori Art Museum
The Architecture of Sou Fujimoto: Primordial Future Forest
A major retrospective of the work of contemporary Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto, covering his architectural journey and philosophy over the past 25 years. It will feature scale models, plans, and full-size installations.
July 2, 2025 – November 9, 2025
Sou Fujimoto is a globally recognized architect, also known as the design producer for Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai.

Roppongi Crossing 2025: What Passes Is Time. We Are Eternal.
The 9th edition of the Mori Art Museum's exhibition series that provides an overview of the Japanese contemporary art scene, focusing on the current trends and promising young artists.
December 3, 2025 – March 29, 2026
This is a recurring, highly anticipated triennial exhibition for Japanese contemporary art.

Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo (MOT)
MOT’s 30th Anniversary Exhibition
Choreographies of the Everyday
Aki Sasamoto’s Life Laboratory
23 August – 24 November, 2025
A large-scale exhibition featuring the work of over 30 artists and collectives from multiple generations and geographies.

National Art Center, Roppongi
Over a dozen different art exhibitions during this period with bigger ones for:
Prism of the Real: Making Art in Japan 1989-2010
September 3 (Wed), 2025 - December 8 (Mon), 2025

BVLGARI KALEIDOS: COLORS, CULTURES AND CRAFTS
September 17 (Wed), 2025 - December 15 (Mon), 2025

https://www.nact.jp/english/exhibition_special/
Hosting exhibitions by various artist associations during this period, covering a range of traditional and contemporary art forms.

National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo (MOMAT)
Various exibitions.
https://www.momat.go.jp/en/exhibitions

National Museum of Western Art
Impressionist Interiors: Intimacy, Decoration, Modernity A special exhibition exploring Impressionist art with a focus on interior scenes, domestic intimacy, decoration, and modern life.
October 25, 2025 – February 15, 2026

Black Lines Speak: Dürer's “Three Great Books” Woodcuts
An exhibition of prints and drawings featuring the woodcuts from Albrecht Dürer's influential "Three Great Books": The Apocalypse, The Life of the Virgin, and The Great Passion.
October 25, 2025 – February 15, 2026
Dürer was a pivotal figure in the Northern Renaissance, and his woodcuts are masterpieces of the medium.

Nezu Museum
Special Exhibition for the 1200th Birthday of Ariwara no Narihira: The Tales of Ise—Courtly Love and Poems Reflected in the Arts
A celebratory exhibition featuring calligraphy, paintings, and crafts inspired by The Tales of Ise, a classic collection of poetic tales mostly centered on the court poet Ariwara no Narihira.
November 1 – December 7, 2025
The exhibition marks the 1200th anniversary of Ariwara no Narihira's birth (825–880). The Tales of Ise has had a multifaceted influence on Japanese culture and art since the Heian period.

Seibu Gallery Ikebukuro
Check the website.
https://www.sogo-seibu.jp/ikebukuro/topics/?cateid=1
Hosts various events, including anime exhibits.

Shibuya Beam Gallery
Yakuza - Like a Dragon 20th Anniversary Exhibition
Art and production materials on display and you can also have wedding / divorce ceremonies with your favourite character from the game.
November 28 - December 22, 2025

Shueisha Manga Art Heritage Tokyo Gallery
Oh! great x Kishi Omori "SCALE GIRLS / SCALE ARMS": A visual art exhibition. June 3 – October 5, 2025
This is a very small museum. Drop by if you’re at Teamlab or the Azabudai Hills Gallery.

Shibuya PARCO Museum
Kemio Photo Exhibition A photography exhibition by the popular Japanese YouTube creator and fashion personality, Kemio.
October 3 (Fri) – October 20 (Mon), 2025

Tokyo Solamachi, Tokyo Skytree Town
Yuru Camp △ 10th Anniversary Exhibition Event
5F Space 634
https://www.yurucamp-ex.com/
November 15 - November 24, 2025

Sunshine City Exhibition Hall, Ikebukuro
Attack on Memory ～記憶への進撃～」をバンダイナムコ Cross Store 東京で開催！https://sunshinecity.jp/en/event/
September 26, 2025 – November 9, 2025

Suntory Museum of Art, Roppongi
Ekin: A Genius Painter from Tosa at the End of the Edo Period
Kinzō, known affectionately as “Ekin-san,” was a Tosa painter whose vivid folding screens depicting bright Kabuki scenes became a cherished part of Kōchi’s summer festivals, where their candlelit displays still leave lasting impressions in the midsummer night.
September 10 to November 3, 2025

NEGORO ― The Art of Fascinating Lacquerware in Red and Black
November 22, 2025 to January 12, 2026

Terada Warehouse (Shinegawa)
Various exhibits.
https://www.terrada.co.jp/en/news/?news_year=2025
Just finished hosting a Ghibli 3D exhibit.

Tokyo Anime Center in DNP PLAZA SHIBUYA
Check website.
https://tokyoanimecenter.jp
You must use the Japanese language version to get exhibition info.
Located on the 2nd floor of Shibuya MODI and hosts revolving exhibitions of popular anime, manga, and games. Seems to mainly be popup stores these days - check the nearby QFront building with the Starbucks overlooking Shibuya Crossing for piles of popup anime stores and figure displays.

Tokyo Big Sight Design Festa Vol. 62
Festival where artists of all genres—illustrators, painters, sculptors, fashion designers, accessory creators, photographers, and more—can exhibit and sell their unique, original works directly to the public.
Nov 15 - 16, 2025

Tokyo City View (Roppongi Hills Mori Tower 52nd floor)
All of Evangelion, 30th Anniversary Exhibition
Nov 14, 2025 - Jan 12, 2026
https://ao-eva.exhibit.jp/
The Evangelion series celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2025 with the TV anime "Neon Genesis Evangelion" starting broadcast on October 4, 1995. This will exhibit production materials related to the work, such as colourful cel drawings of TV anime that have not been exhibited together until now, as well as intricately drawn original drawings and settings. In addition, the digital production materials used in the new theatrical version series will also be exhibited for the first time.

Tokyo Metropolition Art Museum
Van Gogh's Home: The Van Gogh Museum. The Painter's Legacy, the Family Collection, the Ongoing Story
A major special exhibition featuring works and artifacts from the world-renowned Van Gogh Museum, focusing on the painter, his family's collection, and his enduring legacy.
September 12 – December 21, 2025
This offers a rare opportunity to view a significant collection of Vincent Van Gogh's work outside of the Netherlands.

Tokyo National Museum
Shared Horizons: A Journey through Korean Culture
A special program and guided tours focused on a journey through Korean culture.
September 23 (Tue) – November 16 (Sun), 2025 Held in the Asian Gallery (Toyokan).

National Treasure: The Ashura Statue of Kohfukuji Temple (TNM & TOPPAN MUSEUM THEATER) A high-definition, immersive theater experience of the famous Ashura Statue, a National Treasure of Japan located at Kohfukuji Temple in Nara.
September 23 (Tue) – December 21 (Sun), 2025
The Ashura statue is one of the most celebrated examples of classical Japanese Buddhist sculpture. This is a special viewing using digital technology.

Tokyo Node
Check website.
https://tokyonode.jp/events/index.html
"Ghost in the Shell exhibition" from January 30 to April 5, 2026, celebrating the 30th anniversary of the sci-fi franchise with original drawings, concept art, and interactive installations.

Ueno Royal Museum
正倉院 THE SHOW (Shōsōin THE SHOW)
An exhibition centered around the treasures of the Shōsōin, the Imperial storehouse at Tōdai-ji Temple in Nara, featuring items from the 8th century Silk Road. The Shōsōin treasures are rarely exhibited outside of Nara and offer a unique window into the material culture of the Nara period.
September 20 – November 9, 2025

City Hunter 40th Anniversary Original Art Exhibition
Celebrates Tsukasa Hojo’s iconic manga with original art, rare illustrations, and behind‑the‑scenes materials. A major manga art highlight of late 2025, marking the franchise’s enduring influence.
November 22 – December 28, 2025

Yurakucho Marui 8F Event Space
Eureka Seven 20th Anniversary Exhibition
Materials and art from the anime, photo spots, Nirvash mecha statue and more.
https://cb-event.net/e7_exhibition
December 12, 2025 - January 4, 2026 (Close Dec. 31 to Jan. 3)

Catching Wigglet at Edmonton’s Accidental Beach

noreply@blogger.com (Tostzilla) — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 16:52:00 +0000

I finally went and caught Wigglet in Tokyo during May of this year (2025), years after it was introduced. It was a bit of an adventure to get on my last day there and I blogged about it here, Catching Wigglet At Odaiba Beach in Tokyo Bay. It turns out I didn't have to fly halfway around the world to get one as there are two beach biomes in Edmonton. One down in Summerside at a private beach, and Accidental Beach near the Muttart Conservatory. Accidental Beach had the best access for me as there is a small parking lot at Louise McKinney Park and more parking along the road that runs parallel to the North Saskatchewan River there on the south side.

The beach area covers the spit of land shown in the in game maps for Pokemon Go below and towards the shore where the path closest to the water is. Depending on the spawn and location it is either a grassland/forest biome or a beach biome. Beach biomes are where Wigglet spawns best.

However, Wigglet is a RARE spawn! I've been down to Accidental Beach 3 times since this year's Pokémon GO Adventure Week event, held from Tuesday, July 29 to Sunday, August 3, 2025. Shiny Wiglett was introduced for the first time in the game and there were also increased spawns for it during this event.

My first Wigglet caught in Edmonton was about 3/4 up that spit of beach from walking along the shoreline. The path along the shoreline closest to the water is in the woods and is a dirt track that you must use at your own risk as there are a few sections where the river is undermining the bank and it is a straight drop down. There are signs from the city indicating you use Accidental Beach at your own risk, too.

A safer option is the second path clear of the shoreline woods that is paved. It passes through or is close enough to the majority of the beach for beach spawns to show up. After getting lucky to find a Wigglet as a wild spawn on my first trip, I actually haven't seen one in the next two trips. On my last trip or the third trip I caught a Wigglet on incense on the paved path. I've spent two and a half hours down here to catch 2 Wigglet - so they are kind of rare.

There are no pokestops there so you will never see one on the radar, but I recommend you do a bit of walking along the paved path, bring a friend to chat with, and use INCENSE!!! I hope you have good luck catching Wigglet, and use an abundance of caution closer to the water or avoid it!

Accidental beach is the spit of land. During low water, more of it is revealed in real life. You must see sand in the pictures for it to be a beach biome. Spawns inland have a chance of being beach.

Doing A Book Signing For Kumotawa Confluence and Tokyo Intro at Indigo

noreply@blogger.com (Tostzilla) — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 20:33:00 +0000

Hi everyone,

For those folks in Canada's northernmost large city, Edmonton. I will be doing a book signing this Sunday at the big Chapters/Indigo bookstore on 170 ST, north of West Edmonton Mall. I'll be there from noon till 4 PM. Come by to check out my novel Kumotawa Confluence or chat about visiting Tokyo. Say hello and have a browse through the bookstore! It's a good way to spend part of an afternoon with books.

Hope to see you there!

Best Regards to everyone.

Myojo Seasoned Bamboo Shoot Yakisoba Review

noreply@blogger.com (Tostzilla) — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 20:20:00 +0000

This is a bit of an unusual instant yakisoba noodle bowl. Yakisoba is a fried noodle dish which instant noodles simulate well after rehydrating and draining away all of the water for the deep fried variety. This Myojo instant yakisoba falls into this category, like most instant yakisoba noodles. Bamboo shoots and chili oil make this particular noodle dish stand out from the crowd. There is no meat or cabbage, common items in most yakisoba. Instead, there is menma or pickled bamboo shoots of two different varieties.

A view of the Myojo bamboo shoot yakisoba packaging.

2025 Summer Figure Haul From Japan - Guild Receptionish, Sakamoto Days, and Golden Kamuy

noreply@blogger.com (Tostzilla) — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 23:56:00 +0000

Sometimes you see a figure that is beautiful or so well crafted that you really want it. These days, I can't bring myself to spend to bucks for it. Still, you can admire them, but these days I'm buying cheaper figures from anime series that I enjoy. Most of my figure collection is from anime I have watched over the years. These days I'm buying UFO catcher figures and Popup Parade level of quality figures that don't break the bank but bring me joy in having them. These figures have also improved in quality over the past and they've reduced the amount of painting that needs to be done by choosing the costumes or molding the parts in the correct colour to avoid painting. Some of these are still quite good in terms of detail, but they are not like fully painted figures that often came in at the same price or maybe 50% more not adjusting for inflation.

This time I bought pre-owned figures (all from unopened boxes) from Amiami for I May Be a Guild Receptionist, but I’ll Solo Any Boss to Clock Out on Time, Golden Kamuy, and Sakamoto Days.

I May Be a Guild Receptionist, but I’ll Solo Any Boss to Clock Out on Time, Golden Kamuy, and Sakamoto Days figures.

Previous 2025 Figure Hauls

7-11 Gold Premium Sumire Sapporo Miso Instant Ramen Review

noreply@blogger.com (Tostzilla) — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 18:41:00 +0000

I'm trying out 7-11's premium gold Sumire ramen today, one of two instant ramen bowls I picked up on my last trip to Japan in 2025. While 7-11 no longer sells the sought after Nakiryu instant ramen bowl, this and 7-11 Premium Gold Ippudo Bowl along with the 7-11 Gold Premium Tomita Tonkotsu make for very tasty instant ramen that will not disappoint!

Sumire is a popular miso ramen chain originally from the northern city of Sapporo, Hokkaido. It and Junren are two famous ramen restaurants that were part of the second wave of Sapporo style miso ramen restaurants that opened after Aji no Sanpei invented the style in 1953. Sumire's version of the soup is more rich than regular miso ramen that is often described as deeply savory with hints of garlic and onion.

Sumire 7-11 Instant Ramen Bowl

Cats and Coffee and Books Means It's Japanese Cozy Fiction or Fantasy

noreply@blogger.com (Tostzilla) — Sun, 03 Aug 2025 19:50:00 +0000

In the land of vending machines and seasonal KitKats, Japanese literature was known for its deep philosophical musings, existential dread, and the occasional ghost who just wanted to chat. But somewhere between Haruki Murakami’s jazz-infused surrealism and Banana Yoshimoto’s dreamy melancholy, a quieter revolution was brewing—like a slow drip of pour-over coffee in a back-alley Tokyo café. Enter: Japanese cozy fiction.

Japanese cozy fiction—often called healing fiction or iyashikei—offers gentle, emotionally resonant stories that soothe the soul. These novels typically feature: Quiet urban settings like Tokyo alleyways or sleepy towns; magical realism, often involving time travel or talking animals; themes of grief, memory, second chances, and human connection; and recurring motifs including cats, coffee shops, libraries, and bookstores.

My May 2025 Tokyo Travelogue - Part 7 Artizon Musem, Shinjuku, and Godzilla

noreply@blogger.com (Tostzilla) — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 21:45:00 +0000

The weather was not that great this Saturday. It rained all morning and stopped at around noon. Probably put a bit of a damper on the Sanja Matsuri for the morning, but I'm sure it picked up once the weather cleared.

MAY 17, 2025 SATURDAY Artizon / Shinjuku

Saturday was a partial spare day. I only knew I wanted to be in Shinjuku for the afternoon and early evening for the giant Godzilla projection mapping that only happens on Saturdays and Sundays while we were there. As there was a steady rainfall - you needed umbrellas - we just went to the nearby Artizon Museum for the morning. It was a short walk underground through Kyobashi Station and then above ground for a few blocks.

The Artizon is a private museum originally called the Bridgestone Museum (yup, the tire company) and was one of the pioneering art museums in Japan. They had an interesting exhibit about an artist/designer couple Sophie Taeuber-Arp and Jean Arp of the early 20th century. Their work spanned Dada, Constructivism, and abstraction, challenging the boundaries between applied and fine arts. This exhibit featured 88 works including individual and collaborative pieces—reassesses their creative partnership, highlighting Taeuber-Arp’s geometric compositions and Jean Arp’s biomorphic forms, and emphasizing their mutual influence and enduring legacy in modern art. Some of the pieces were really neat and the textile pieces were interesting too.

The regular exhibits had many paintings from famous painters and some from Japanese painters inspired by Western techniques. There's a fair bit to see here and if you have time or a gap in your schedule I would drop in for a look if you like modern art.

Some of Jean's puppets.

My May 2025 Tokyo Travelogue - Part 6 Asakusa and Ueno National Museum

noreply@blogger.com (Tostzilla) — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 21:55:00 +0000

We're down to the last few days of our holiday. It's been a whirlwind of sights and experiences. These last two full days will have us visiting Asakusa, the National Museum again, and Shinjuku. We saw some of these areas briefly in transit and it was time to visit other places.

May 16, 2025 FRIDAY ASAKUSA

It was time to get on the Ginza Line to head to Asakusa for us. The train line is only a block away, so it is very convenient from our hotel in the Yaesu area just east of Tokyo Station and north of Ginza.

I love the bright yellowy gold colour of the Ginza line trains. Looks classy.

It was Friday morning around 9 AM. The northbound Ginza Line train was remarkably empty! The interior looks classy, like their old trains with gold rails, faux wood panelling, decorative wall lamps, and green velvet type seats.

Our first stop of the day would be a visit to Imado Jinja, north east of Sensoji Temple. You can walk through the streets of the area to get there but we opted to walk as far as we could along the bank of the Sumida River that offers views of river craft and the Skytree. The walk is along a developed park and path area with many viewpoints and even a cafe. Surprisingly there were themed Pokestops in the area for Pokemon Go that featured Edo era art and various Pokemon! You just can't get away from Pokemon - these stops are in augmented reality inside the game where you can see them.

Kumotawa Confluence at the Edmonton Local Authors Book Sale!

noreply@blogger.com (Tostzilla) — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 22:53:00 +0000

Hi everyone!

I'm going to be participating in the Local Authors Book Sale being hosted by the Edmonton Public Library at the Stanley A. Milner (Downtown).

It will take place on:
Saturday, July 5, 2025 from 9:30 am – 5:30 pm

Come discover your new favourite author or pick up an old favourite's latest release at the Local Authors Book Sale! Our city is packed with talented writers working in every genre you can think of and we have dozens of them all gathered together for one day only.

I will have my urban fantasy novel, Kumotawa Confluence, and my storytelling guidebook Tokyo Intro, there at reduced prices! Come on down and pick up a book from one of the other authors or me.